Welcome to WBYA in the community
At WBYA in the Community, we believe every young person deserves the opportunity to feel valued, develop confidence, and discover what they are capable of regardless of their background or circumstances.
We are a not-for-profit Community Interest Company (CIC) dedicated to supporting young people aged 11–18 through engaging, practical, and meaningful programmes that promote wellbeing, personal development, life skills, and positive futures.
Our sessions provide a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment where young people can build confidence, form healthy relationships, learn new skills, and take positive steps towards education, employment, training, and adulthood.
Whether a young person needs a confidence boost, support with emotional wellbeing, opportunities to socialise, or guidance in planning their future, our team is here to help them grow at their own pace.
Through creative workshops, mentoring, community projects, employability activities, enterprise, health and wellbeing sessions, sports, outdoor experiences, volunteering, and life skills, we aim to inspire every young person to believe in themselves and achieve their potential.
Our mission is simple:
To create opportunities, remove barriers, and empower young people to build brighter, healthier, and more independent futures.
We work alongside families, schools, local authorities, youth organisations, and community partners to ensure every young person has access to the support, encouragement, and opportunities they deserve.
At WBYA in the Community, we don't just deliver activities we build confidence, create connections, and help young people realise that their future is full of possibilities.
Believe. Achieve. Belong.
Meet the team
"Sometimes all it takes is one person believing in you to change the direction of your life. I want WBYA in the Community to be that place where every young person knows they matter." - Zena Hardy
Zena — Founder, Director / DSL
I've always believed that every young person deserves someone who believes in them. That belief is what inspired me to create WBYA in the Community a place where young people feel safe, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential.
With several years of experience working with children and young people across education, alternative provision, and community settings, I've dedicated my career to helping those who need a little extra support, encouragement, or someone to believe in them.
As someone who has ADHD myself, and as a mum to a child with ADHD, I understand that every young person experiences the world differently. That personal experience has shaped the way I work, ensuring our programmes are inclusive, understanding, and focused on each individual's strengths rather than their challenges.
My passion lies in creating opportunities that build confidence, develop life skills, improve wellbeing, and inspire young people to believe in themselves. Whether that's through mentoring, practical workshops, creative activities, employability programmes, community projects, or simply providing a safe place to belong, my goal is to help every young person discover what they're capable of.
WBYA in the Community was created because I believe that when young people are given the right support, positive role models, and opportunities to thrive, they can achieve incredible things.
My mission is simple: to help every young person believe in themselves, build confidence, and create a brighter future.
Kelly – Co-Founder, Director & DSL
I'm a committed and compassionate professional with both lived and professional experience supporting children, young people and families with complex needs.
Throughout my career working with young people, I have seen the lasting impact that poor mental health, trauma, adversity and unmet emotional needs can have on their lives. I have also seen the frustration experienced by families and professionals when young people do not meet the threshold for specialist services, leaving them without the support they need until their difficulties become more complex or reach crisis point.
This inspired me to help create something different.
Together with my Co-Director, Zena, we established the WBYA Wellbeing Space to provide a safe, welcoming and nurturing environment where young people can access support early, build trusted relationships and know there is always someone who genuinely cares. We want every young person to feel seen, heard and valued, while recognising their strengths, building confidence and developing the resilience to thrive.
Professionally, I have worked as a Senior Residential Children's Worker and Deputy Manager, with a strong focus on safeguarding, trauma-informed practice and creating safe, nurturing environments where young people can thrive.
I hold a BA (Hons) in Childhood Studies and I am passionate about helping young people develop emotional wellbeing, confidence, resilience and life skills, while supporting families to feel listened to, empowered and supported.
Outside of work, I enjoy walking, listening to music and spending quality time with my family.
Our Impact
Our Wellbeing Framework
Everything we do is guided by the WBYA Wellbeing Framework a structured, relationship-led approach that helps young people build confidence, improve emotional wellbeing, and develop the skills they need to thrive, at a pace that's right for them.
Wellbeing Space
The Wellbeing Space provides a range of supportive activities designed to improve emotional wellbeing, build resilience and encourage positive personal development.
HAF Summer Programme
Our HAF Summer Programme is proudly funded by the Department for Education through the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme, with support from StreetGames. Together, we provide free, high-quality holiday activities, healthy meals, and enriching experiences that help young people build confidence, learn new skills, stay active, and have fun throughout the summer holidays.